June down - 11 months to go!

Hello blogland,

Okay so we're essentially 2 weeks on our own now after having handover with last year's lads. It's a steep learning curve but I woldn't have it any other way. I'm really enjoying the challenge of the job so far.

I did have a blog started elsewhere, but this is going to be that main Deputy Pres and Welfare blog from now on.

I've met with people from the Accommodation Office, Brookfield, Student Affairs, Counselling, Connect and more. I've met builders, energy raters, officers from CIT, DIT and Mary I, Barry from the Please Talk campaign and even more importantly I'm constantly meeting all the other Union officers. We want to ensure you have the best Union and I hope to get some of you involved in that experience.

I'm in the middle of sussing out condoms for next year, there's SOOOOOO many considerations that wouldn't even cross your mind when you just think "I need a condom".

Myself and Ruán have been to Governing Authority with Burky (Postgrad President) where I was settling in asking loads of questions. GA is our monthly suit day where we sit with the University and external members to represent students. There's lots of boring reasons why we have to sit there, but lets just say it's the law, and it works to your benefit to have us there.

Other stuff I've done is opened the RAG Week Charities suggestions. Anyone with ideas of Limerick charities can email me. I've been meeting a good few students regarding Financial Aid for the coming year as well as on Discipline Committee advice. I've been to 2 conferences that have been a great help already and I've been talking to Limerick Mental Health Association on some ideas for UrLife - Positive Mental Health which will be on in October. There's also an entire committee in the University whose task is to enhance the student experience, I've sat on that and will be going back on your behalf. Promoting healthy living in terms of eating, alcohol consumption and mental health are currently topping the agenda.

All you Business Students out there will be delighted to know that I'll be your Sabbatical Rep on the KBS Faculty Board.

I'll post my other 2 blogs up to now in just a little bit.

Any questions, just call, email or drop in.

Back soon,

Derek.